Speaking ahead of St Patrick’s Day, Dublin Bay South TD James Geoghegan said there is a sense of urgency about implementing the findings of the Dublin Taskforce.
He said the report would enable Dublin’s potential to be a “safer, cleaner, more prosperous city.”
He praised Fine Gael leader and former Taoiseach Simon Harris for establishing the taskforce last year, prior to the local elections.
The coalition agreement between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, which was drawn up in January, has called for the findings of the taskforce to be applied.
The takforce calls for 1,000 new gardaí for Dublin City, the revitilisation of O’Connell Street, and tackling dereliction.
Geoghegan said “with over 1,000 Gardaí being deployed for a single event this weekend, it is clear that security and public order require sustained resources, not just one-off interventions. Dubliners and visitors alike should feel safe and welcome in our capital every day of the year, not just for major events.”
Geoghegan also proposed an accommodation levy, which has been floated by Labour in recent times, to help fund services in the city.
“St Patrick’s Day highlights exactly why Dublin should have the power to raise revenue through an accommodation levy. Hundreds of thousands of visitors will fill our hotels this weekend, yet Dublin City Council is not empowered to generate a cent from this influx. This is a missed opportunity to reinvest in the city’s safety, public realm, and long-term viability,” he said.
“Dublin’s potential is immense, but it needs urgent attention. That is why An Tánaiste, Simon Harris established this taskforce. I strongly urge the Taoiseach and other stakeholders to move swiftly from discussion to delivery. The people of Dublin deserve a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous city.”